Three of Hong Kong's Asian Games medallists captivated 100 secondary students from 10 schools during a two-hour forum held at the Exhibition and Convention Centre in Wan Chai last week. Silver medallists Li Fai (wushu), Carman Chan Ka-man (karate) and bronze medallist Cheung Yi-nei (fencing) demonstrated their sports and talked about their careers at the event organised by the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG) as part of a wider programme aimed at assisting youth seeking leadership skills. 2001 wushu world champion, Li Fai, told the students that to be a success, they should strive for emotional stability and keep an inner calm when faced with problems. Karate expert Chan Ka-man said survival instincts were crucial. He urged the students to never look back or dwell on their mistakes, and to immediately get back on their feet when they are knocked down. Fencing maestro Cheung Yi-nei said building confidence was key, adding young people must believe they can achieve things. Sarah Chan Siu-ha, Wong Wai-hei, Kerry Yip Mei-fung and Wong Man-wai, 17-year-old students at HKTA The Yuen Yuen Institute No 1 Secondary School, said they would always remember what the athletes said. 'I won't forget Li Fai saying that if she didn't practice at least once everyday, she would regress or lose 10 days,' said Sarah. Joanne Lee Man-yi and Nancy Poon Wing-fung, both 15 and pupils at LST Leung Kau Kui College are big fans of karate and Chan Ka-man. 'Chan said we must have a target to have a meaningful life,' said Joanne. A similar event is scheduled for December when the Secretary for Home Affairs, Patrick Ho Chi-ping, will speak. For more information about the programme, call the HKFYG on 2169 0255.
